The following workshops will be offered during Workshop Weeks 1 & 2. All workshops are beginner level and no
previous knowledge or experience is required.
Synthetic Biology Workshop
Create bacteria that smell like bananas, generate color in response to stimuli, glow in the dark or emit light in
response to ultraviolet radiation! Synthetic biology is the science of engineering living organisms as if they were
biological machines. In this workshop, taught by Dr. Oliver Medvedik from Genspace, youâ€™ll learn how to
manipulate life using standardized genetic parts. These genetic parts can serve as building blocks in the fabrication
of genetic â€œcircuits,â€� previously unseen in nature. Genspace's current projects include a bacteria-powered
arsenic-detection kit and a biofuel algae experiment (part of collaboration with startup Bodega Algae), new
transgenic, multicolored microganisms and personal genetic testing.
Parametric Design Workshop
The conceptual and technical sphere of parametric design will be introduced in this workshop by learning systemic
processes capable of reacting to various ecologic factors. We will focus on parametric design logic, computational
geometry, modeling techniques, and environmental influencers to create radical design answers. Dr. Carlos Barrios
will focus the workshop on formal synthesis based on a combination of scientific rigor and artistic expressionism.
Series of programs will offer the possibility to explore parametric and computational design with extraordinary
Fab Tree Hab Workshop
This workshop will teach a method to grow homes from native trees. A living structure is grafted into shape with
prefabricated Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) reusable scaffolds. A methodology new to buildings yet ancient
to gardening is introduced in this design - pleaching. Pleaching is a method of weaving together tree branches to
form living archways, lattices, or screens. The trunks of inosculate, or self-grafting trees are the load-bearing
structure, and the branches form a continuous lattice frame for the walls and roof. Weaved along the exterior is a
dense protective layer of vines, interspersed with soil pockets and growing plants. Prefab scaffolds cut from 3D
computer files control the plant growth in the early stages.
The main objective of Mycoform is to establish a smart, self-sufficient, perpetual-motion construction technology. By
combining fungal mycelia with varying types of organic substrates and carefully controlling their expansion within
prefabricated molds, we will create the literal growth of structural materials. The Mycoform is grown from biological
materials. The process is pollution free, and has the potential to contain a low embodied energy as part of a local
ecosystem. The polypore fugal species Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), possesses enzymes that readily digest a wide
variety of cellulose based organic byproducts. The rapid growth of branching mycelia results in a dense matrix
capable of structural support.
Soft Infrastructure Workshop
Natural ecologies are resilient, within the range of phenomena for which they have evolved; forests grow back after
fires and wetlands return to equilibrium after severe storms. This ability to recover from accidents and catastrophes
overtime is a direct consequence and distinct characteristic of complex ecologies. This workshop will explore soft
infrastructure for mitigating natural hazards based on the sophisticated understanding and mimicry of such natural
systems. We will test the possibility of creating a porous boundary where water meets to dampen powerful storm
currents as well as encourage the development of new estuarial habitats. This water infrastructure consists of
estuarine canal outlets to tidal strait and water filtration sponges enabling hydrology of wetlands for plant and
The seminar week consists of daily lectures and seminars lead by Terreform ONE, Planetary ONE and the
ONE LAB Team and their collaborators based on new projects they are developing in biotechnology, computation,
ecology, design, landscape, and urban growth. Lectures with leading artists, scholars, scientists, and authors
enhance the program. The Seminar Week is designed to stand alone and participants may enroll in Seminar Week
Questions: Please contact Maria Aiolova, LEED AP firstname.lastname@example.org
Urban Laboratory for Bio Design and Grow Workshop in Brooklyn, NY.
|Â© 2011 Terrefuge + Terreform 1